Dan Neil’s two goals propelled Rangers to a 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday. The midfielder scored in the 23rd and 75th minutes, either side of a strike from new signing Kevin Kelsy, as Rangers dominated the first half and maintained control throughout the match.

Neil, a 24-year-old former Sunderland captain, joined Rangers over the summer following an eight-season spell with the Black Cats. After being loaned to Ipswich last season, he has quickly become a key figure under manager Derek McInnes, who praised the team’s execution of their game plan. “The gaffer is very good at team talks before the game," Neil said, adding that the squad was prepared to “run through a brick wall” and supported each other from start to finish.

The opener came when Ryan Naderi, under pressure on the left flank, found Kelsy, who set up Neil inside the penalty area. Neil’s precise finish into the bottom corner gave Rangers an early advantage. Kelsy, a £9 million striker signed from Portland Timbers in September, marked his first goal for the club just before the hour mark, firing a left-footed shot off the upright at the back post.

Although Emmanuel Fernandez had a goal disallowed for offside, Neil sealed the victory with a well-placed curling shot into the top corner in the 75th minute, ensuring a comfortable lead.

Celtic, who entered the fixture without their supporters due to a ban at Ibrox, struggled to pose a significant threat. Manager Martin O’Neill acknowledged the team’s poor performance but expressed confidence ahead of their upcoming league match against Rangers at Parkhead. “We were well beaten. The 3-0 scoreline doesn’t hide it, it was a tough afternoon for us,” O’Neill said. “Next Sunday will be a different ball game when we’ve got the home crowd with us... We can learn from this and that’s the most important thing.”

With this win, Rangers set up a semi-final tie against Aberdeen at Hampden Park. The winner of that match will face either Hearts or Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup final. McInnes also became the first manager in Rangers history to win his debut Old Firm match by more than two goals.